Purchasing a travel credit card with no annual fee can be an excellent way to plan your next holiday.
These cards tend to come with many benefits and rewards, including airline miles, hotel points, and luxury perks, without charging you any extras. But are they worth it? Let's find out.
What is Non-Annual-Fee Travel Credit Card?
A travel credit card is a card designed to make it cheaper to spend money overseas and, in many cases, even reward you for using them.
Every swipe, in fact, can get you closer to your next dream vacation, as it can unlock new hotel stays, flights, and other benefits.
Most cards require an annual fee that can range from $60 to $600 or more, depending on your needs. A non-annual fee travel credit card, however, can give you the same rewards and cost nothing extra.
The Best Travel Credit Card
Let's look at the best travel cards with no annual fee that still allow you to redeem rewards for every dollar spent on eligible purchases.
1. VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
This VentureOne Rewards Credit Card has an annual fee of $0 and offers you unlimited rewards (1.25 miles per dollar spent on all purchases and 5 miles per dollar used for booking hotel and rental cars).
The first 15 months are also 0% intro APR (19.24% to 29.24% variable APR after that). Every new card membership includes 20,000 bonus points (miles) if you spend $500 within the first three months after your account opening. The card charges no foreign transaction fees.
2. Hilton Honors American Express Card
The Hilton Honors travel card also has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fee. The APR for this card is 20.24% to 29.24% variable, and you get 7x points on hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio (Hilton Honors bonus points), 5x points on dining, 5x points on groceries and gas, and 3x points for each dollar on other eligible purchases.
Plus, you get complimentary Hilton Honors Silver Status. A good option if you're looking for travel or dining purchases within the brand.
3. Chase Ultimate Rewards
Chase offers an excellent no-fee card to earn bonus points on selected purchases and redeem gift cards, cash back, and other investments for travel.
In fact, you can use your points to pay for all or part of eligible orders, including Apple purchases, Amazon, Chase Dining, travel, and experiences such as exclusive events.
All you need to do is book your travel purchases through the Chase Ultimate Rewards card, and you'll instantly be able to redeem points, get statement credit, and do balance transfers.
4. American Airlines Advantage Mileup Mastercard
This American Airlines Advantage Mileup Mastercard has no annual fees and offers a starting plan with 10,000 American Airlines AAdvantage bonus points and a $50 statement credit.
You can earn 2x miles for every $1 you spend at grocery stores, 2x miles for eligible American Airlines purchases, and 1x miles for every other purchase, too.
Plus, 25$ savings on food and beverages inflight. You can earn rewards in two ways: By accumulating miles from purchases or by collecting loyalty points.
5. Bank of America Financial Center Travel Rewards Credit Cards
The Bank of America Travel Rewards cards have no annual fee and don't charge foreign transaction fees. You get a welcome bonus of 25,000 online points ($350 value) and can earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all purchases, anywhere.
You can use this card to book trips and pay yourself back towards dining and travel. The APR is 0% intro (18 billing cycles) and 18.24% to 28.24% after that. Preferred Rewards members earn 25% to 75% more points on all purchases.
6. Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card
This Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card is considered one of the best no-annual-fee options for travel insurance. There's no signup bonus, but you get 0% APR for 15 months (followed by 19.24% o 27.9% variable APR), trip cancellation insurance for up to $1,500 per person, and rental car insurance for theft and collision.
You can also get 5% cash back on travel purchases you make through Chase Ultimate Rewards, and you can redeem rewards for gift cards, dining, takeout, and delivery service, among others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are travel cards worth getting?
Travel cards can offer valuable rewards for frequent travelers, providing perks like travel insurance, airline credits, and lounge access.
These benefits can significantly offset travel costs, making them worthwhile.
Assess your travel frequency and spending patterns to determine if a travel card's rewards justify any associated fees.
Is it better to use a travel card or credit card?
A travel card is often advantageous for those who frequently travel, as it usually offers lower international transaction fees, travel insurance, and other travel-related perks.
However, a general credit card might be better for daily expenses, so the best card depends on your spending habits.
How many cards should I travel with?
Traveling with two cards is wise, providing a backup in case one is lost, stolen, or rejected.
Having a main card and a secondary option from different banks ensures broader acceptance and availability for emergency funds, safeguarding your financial security while traveling.
If you're a frequent traveler, you know that travel tips and tricks can make all the difference in having a stress-free and enjoyable vacation. That's why we've compiled a list of our top articles on travel advice, insider tips, and budget-friendly hacks to help you get the most out of your travels. Check it out!
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